Improvement in inhalers and vaporizers for administering anesthetics



E. E. DUNCANS'ON.

lmprovementvin `1nha|er and vapori-zer.

Patented 9ct. 10,1871.

NITED STATES ETHELBERT E. DUNCANSON, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

IMPROVEMENT IN INHALERS AND VAPURIZERS FR ADMINISTERING AN/ESTHETICS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. 119,748, dated October10, 1871.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, ETHELBERT E. DUNCAN- s0N, of Chicago, in thecountyof Cook and provements in apparatus for generating and inhaling vapor;and it consists in an inhaler peculiarly arranged for separating theexcess of moisture from the vapor; also, for preventing' the out-breathof the patient from mixing with the vapor, combined withavapor-generator and a exible tube leading from the latter to the saidinhaler, all as hereinafter described.

Figure l is a sectional elevation of the inhaler and the vaporizer, andFig. 2 is a section of the inhaler.

Similar letters of reference indicate corresponding parts.

The inhaler consists of a truncated cone, A, made of metal or othermaterial, with the outline of the base tted to be applied to the face ofthe patient so as to cover the mouth and nose, the edge being turned andprotected by a cushion, B, of chamois-leather, or other substance frominjuring the face on application. It is divided near the center by ahorizontal diaphragm, C, so as to form two compartments connected by avalvular opening, D, the upper being fitted with a basin, E, shield F,and sponge G, the sponge to be moistened, saturated, or `wet withchloroform, ether, or other anzesthetio, the vapor being drawn byinhalation through the opening H left around the lower margin of theshield, the shield itself to protect the patient om any moisture in thesponge by shedding that excess or droppage into the space below. Thevapor passes into the lower chamber through the passage D, having avalve, I, connected to the diaphragm and opening inward toward the faceof the patient and then enters the lungs by inhalation. The expirationfrom the lungs, passing into the lower chamber K, is conveyed by alateral valve, L, to the open air-valve I closingfat the time,thussaving a vast expenditure of theagent employed, and also preventingit from being saturated with noxious gases passing from the lungs, theout-breathing not passing through the sponge, but bythe aforesaid valvein the side of the lower chamber, thus forming the simplest and mostscientific instrument yet in existence for anaesthetizing and inhalingpurposes.

The slide M on the side of the lower chamber opposite the valve is forthe admission of atmospheric air, by raising or lowering' which thedensity of the vapor can be graduated to any desired strength, thushastening or shortening the rapidity of action at the administratorspleasure, or as the necessity of the patient may require. A movablecover, N, is placed on the top for the easy saturation, removal, orcleansing of the sponge and basin. rlhe top has an opening, o, in thecenter for the admission of air or insertion of the flexible pipeattached tothe vaporizer a, or the tube of the nitrous acid gas-bag orany other tube or valve used for inhaling purposes. l

This vaporizer consists of a simple vessel, Q, of any material, with aclose tting cover and small tube R in the center of cover for attach`ment or connection between the inhaler and the vaporizer; the attachmentconsisting of an Indiarubber or other tube passing from the pipe on thevaporizer to the apertures in the cover of the inhaler.

The bottom of the vaporizer being fixed above a la-mp or on any otherheating surface, the medicine, water, or any other agent to beadministered in the form of a vapor or steam having been previouslyplaced inside, remove the sponge from the inhaler, establish theconnection by means of the tube between the vaporizer and inhaler, andthe vapor or steam passes abundantly and efficiently to the nose, mouth,throat, or lungs, either or all, as may .be required.

This improved instrument furnishes a cheap, convenient, and efficientapparatus which greatly economizes the material used and administers itin such a VWay that the vapor cannot become 2. The inhaler A, providedwith an air-induc- Oharged with the impurities discharged from the tionpassage mld a regulating slide, substantial- ]uugs. Y 1y as speeiied.

Having thus described my invention, what 4I ETHELBERT E. DUNGANSON.claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Pat- 1 ent, is Witnesses:Y 1. The inhaler A, constructed, arranged, and THOMAS M. JORDAN combinedwith a vafporizer and :L connecting J. S. BROWN. (98) Jmbe,substantially as herein speeied.

